Should an O-negative mother receive RhIg if her newborn's positive DAT is due to immune anti-A?

Should an O-negative mother receive RhIg if her newborn's positive DAT is due to immune anti-A?

• A. No, because of the positive DAT
• B. Yes, if the baby is Rh-negative
• C. Yes, if the baby is Rh-positive
• D. No, the issue is unrelated to Rh antibodies

Answer: (C)

In the scenario described, an O-negative mother would receive Rh immune globulin (RhIg) if her newborn is Rh-positive, even with a positive direct antiglobulin test (DAT) due to immune anti-A. The key factor here is the Rh factor of the newborn rather than the presence of anti-A antibodies. RhIg is specifically used to prevent Rh sensitization in Rh-negative mothers who might be exposed to Rh-positive fetal blood. If the newborn is Rh-positive, there is a potential for the mother to produce anti-Rh antibodies if she is exposed to Rh-positive blood cells. These antibodies can cross the placenta in subsequent pregnancies, potentially leading to hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN) in future Rh-positive babies. The presence of a positive DAT indicates that the baby's red blood cells are coated with antibodies, in this case, the anti-A antibody due to the mother's O blood type. This is relevant for the baby's blood group status but does not affect the need for RhIg in this context. The critical aspect is whether the baby is Rh-positive; therefore, the administration of RhIg is warranted to protect future pregnancies from Rh incompatibility issues.

In the scenario described, an O-negative mother would receive Rh immune globulin (RhIg) if her newborn is Rh-positive, even with a positive direct antiglobulin test (DAT) due to immune anti-A. The key factor here is the Rh factor of the newborn rather than the presence of anti-A antibodies.

RhIg is specifically used to prevent Rh sensitization in Rh-negative mothers who might be exposed to Rh-positive fetal blood. If the newborn is Rh-positive, there is a potential for the mother to produce anti-Rh antibodies if she is exposed to Rh-positive blood cells. These antibodies can cross the placenta in subsequent pregnancies, potentially leading to hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN) in future Rh-positive babies.

The presence of a positive DAT indicates that the baby's red blood cells are coated with antibodies, in this case, the anti-A antibody due to the mother's O blood type. This is relevant for the baby's blood group status but does not affect the need for RhIg in this context. The critical aspect is whether the baby is Rh-positive; therefore, the administration of RhIg is warranted to protect future pregnancies from Rh incompatibility issues.